Section 18: Signs in Electrified Areas
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The Channel Tunnel, opened in 1994, is electrified on the 25kV AC overhead wire system. Since the existing railways near the U.K. portal of the Channel Tunnel were electrified on the 750V DC third rail system, drivers of all trains running between the two systems require to carry out a traction current changeover procedure. Signs mark the point where the 25kV overhead wires end [18.29].
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[18.29] End of Eurotunnel Catenary Supply.
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The various signs which are installed to give instructions to drivers of electric trains passing through the traction current changeover zones were of the same design as the signs used on the French railway system (SNCF) [18.30 - 18.34]. These signs were installed at Dollands Moor in 1993 in readiness for the opening of the Channel Tunnel, also between Kensington and North Pole.
For a changeover from AC to DC traction power, another sign marks the position by which the pantograph(s) must be lowered [18.31]. The retractable shoegear may now be lowered and the train may take DC traction power. A subsidiary plate may be fitted showing the voltage type to be selected [18.32] (not fitted between Kensington and North Pole).
- "750BR" = British Rail 750V DC System
- "750RTK" = Railtrack 750V DC System
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[18.31] Execute Sign for Lower Shoes.
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[18.32] Execute Sign for Lower Shoes, with subsidiary plate.
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For a changeover from DC to AC traction power, a sign marks the position by which the shoegear must be raised [18.33]. The pantograph(s) may now be raised and the train may take AC traction power. A subsidiary plate may be fitted showing the voltage type to be selected [18.34] (not fitted between Kensington and North Pole).
- "25000ET" = Eurotunnel 25kV AC System
- "25000HSL" = High Speed Line (i.e. CTRL) 25kV AC System
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[18.33] Execute Sign for Raise Pantograph(s).
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[18.34] Execute Sign for Raise Pantograph(s), with subsidiary plate.
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At some locations, an 'abort' board [18.35] may be placed ahead of a traction current changeover zone. This sign applies only to Eurostar drivers. If the changeover has not been successfully completed by the time the front of the train reaches this sign, the train must be brought to a stand and the driver must examine the train. Alternatively, a 'degraded' board [18.36] may be placed ahead of a changeover zone. If the changeover has not been successfully completed by the time the front of the train reaches this sign, the driver must advise the Route Control Centre of the exact status of the train and stop at a location where assistance may be rendered.
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[18.35] Power Changeover Abort Board.
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[18.36] 'Degraded' Board.
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In 2002, the one remaining flood alarm signal at the east end of Silvertown Tunnel (see [18.16 & 18.17]) was replaced. The new indicator normally displayed a solid white rectangle [18.37]. In the event of flooding, the indication changed to display the words "Tunnel Flooded" in red letters [18.38]. This indicator lasted until closure of the North Woolwich line in 2007.
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[18.37] Flood Alarm Signal (normal aspect).
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[18.38] Flood Alarm Signal ('Stop' aspect).
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On the high speed lines (from 2003), signage associated with a neutral section mirrors French practice. The first sign encountered by drivers is a warning board stating the distance to the neutral section, in metres [18.39].
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[18.39] Warning Sign for Neutral Section (e.g. 400m ahead).
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A sign positioned on the approach to, and close to the neutral section marks the point by which the main circuit breaker on the traction unit should have been opened [18.40]. If this has not occurred automatically, the driver should open the circuit breaker manually. Beyond the neutral section is a sign to indicate the point where the driver can reclose the main circuit breaker, if it has not occurred automatically [18.41]. If the train has more than one locomotive or power car in operation, the rearmost vehicle should have passed the sign before the circuit breaker is closed. An 'end of restriction' marker (see [25.17 & 25.18]) may be provided for this purpose.
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[18.40] Open Circuit Breaker Sign.
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[18.41] Close Circuit Breaker Sign.
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In 2004, work was underway to upgrade the traction power supply between Earlswood and Three Bridges. In the event of an electrical disruption occurring while the work was underway, it may be necessary for drivers of Class 375 and 377 'Electrostar' units to drive in Notch 2 through the substation area affected. When these circumstances applied, special temporary signs would be displayed at the beginning [18.42] and end [18.43] of the affected area. In certain locations, one sign applies to the tracks on either side, and this was indicated by arrows [18.44 & 18.45].
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[18.42] 'Notch 2' Commencement Sign.
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[18.43] 'Notch 2' Termination Sign.
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[18.44] 'Notch 2' Commencement Sign.
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[18.45] 'Notch 2' Termination Sign.
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Later in 2004, signs similar to [18.42 - 18.44] were provided in connection with power supply upgrade work between Herne Hill and Sydenham Hill. These signs applied to 'Electrostar' units of Classes 375 and 376 and therefore had the legend "375/6" at the top.
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Later examples of neutral section warning boards on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link [18.46] differ slightly from the earlier type (see [18.39]).
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[18.46] Warning Sign for Neutral Section (e.g. 1000m ahead).
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On the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, a diamond shaped sign [18.47] is used to denote a location where the overhead catenary wire ends. Electric trains must not pass without the pantograph first being lowered. This sign is of similar style to those used on German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) for the same purpose.
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[18.47] 'Limit of Electric Traction' Sign (CTRL).
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